In 1982, Texas lost its claim to the World’s Largest Pecan. However, Texas doesn’t give up. Resources: https://www.mysanantonio.com/community/article/Seguin-retaking-the-pecan-crown-1450043.php https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/worlds-largest-pecan https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/4031
The Maceo Family Empire- Galveston's Very Own Mob Duo
When you hear about the mob, most people picture Boston, Las Vegas, or New York. Most people don’t picture Galveston, Texas. One of the most successful mob duos ever, Sam and Rose Maceo, made their name in the “Ellis Island of the West” and their reputation lives on. Resources: Galveston’s Maceo Family Empire: Bootlegging and…
That Time Big Tex Caught on Fire
In October 2012, a major icon of the Texas State Fair, Big Tex, caught fire in front of a crowd. Resources: https://nypost.com/2012/10/19/giant-big-tex-statue-burns-down-after-60-years-as-state-fair-icon/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Tex https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/10/19/163247347/a-fire-i-cant-put-out-texas-state-fairs-big-tex-destroyed-by-blaze http://www.yesterdayusa.com/big_tex_fact_page.htm
Bob "Daddy-O" Wade
Bob “Daddy-O” Wade created some unmistakable Texas landmarks with his art. Though he passed at the end of 2019, his creations live on. Resources: https://texashighways.com/travel-news/the-death-of-artist-bob-daddy-o-wade-leaves-a-texas-size-hole-in-the-lone-star-art-world/ https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/9/record-holder-profile-video-bob-wade-and-the-largest-cowboy-boot-sculpture-395634 https://bobwade.com/ https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/arts/2019-12-27/in-memoriam-bob-daddy-o-wade/
The Texas Pledge of Allegiance
Each morning school kids in the United States start their day with not just one, but two pledges in Texas. Why do we have our own Pledge? Listen to find out. Resources for this episode: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ref/abouttx/flagpledge.html https://www.texastribune.org/2018/09/25/ken-paxton-texas-law-student-stand-pledge-allegiance-/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Texas https://study.com/academy/lesson/texas-flag-pledge-history-words.html https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/texas/article/College-student-shook-by-Texas-pledge-says-10947803.php https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Why-do-public-school-students-say-the-Texas-1823148.php
Merry Christmas from Texas!
Happy Holidays from Texas! Thanks for supporting us.
The Cisco Santa Claus Robbery
On December 23, 1927 a man dressed as Santa Claus brought chaos to Cisco Texas. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus_Bank_Robbery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f856PjZKB6A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej6LmPrHJq0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbTr0H_JuFY
Don Pedro Jarmillo, Folk Saint
A healer in Falfurrias may have been dead for over 100 years, but his legend has turned him into a Folk Saint. Resources: youtube.com/watch?v=O8b3LW0m6BY https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Pedro_Jaramillo
The Robber Baron Cave- Outside San Antonio
The Robber Baron Cave in Texas is full of mystery. However, many of the tales may have been a marketing attempt. Listen here: https://anchor.fm/texas-slang-for-crazy/episodes/The-Robber-Baron-Cave-e997b2 Resources: https://www.tcmacaves.org/preserves/robberbaron/history/ https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/travel-outdoors/article/Exploring-Robber-Baron-Cave-one-of-San-Antonio-s-6837498.php
The Prestige and Drama of the Pearl Brewery
Today the Pearl District of San Antonio is a trendy spot to live and enjoy the nightlife. However, this was once the largest brewery in San Antonio, and Texas as a whole. The story involves murder, mental institutions, shady business deals, and redemption. Resources: Pearl: A History of San Antonio’s Iconic Beer by Jeremy Banas…
